A fuse, also known as a current fuse, is defined as a "fusible link" in the IEC 127 standard. A fuse is a low-melting-point alloy wire made of materials such as lead, tin, and antimony. It protects circuits by limiting the current flowing through it to a safe level. In the event of a leakage, short circuit, or overload, the fuse immediately melts, effectively cutting off power and protecting the appliance. What's the difference between a blown fuse and a tripped fuse? How should it be handled? Let's take a closer look.

A tripped fuse and a blown fuse are not the same thing. First, a tripped fuse refers to a switch, while a blown fuse primarily refers to a knife switch. Whether tripped or melted, their purpose is protection. The choice of protection depends on the needs. Some knife switches do not provide protection but only serve as an isolation function. They are generally used in conjunction with switches to provide a clear disconnection point. Furthermore, a tripped fuse is caused by a sudden surge of current. If a fuse burns, you need to open the circuit breaker and reconnect the fuse, while a tripped fuse can be fixed by simply reconnecting it.

Power outages at home can occur for several reasons:
① Appliance issues. Nowadays, there are too many appliances, and their combined power draw is too high, causing the wires to draw too much current, exceeding the upper limit of the main circuit breaker and causing the circuit breaker to trip.
② Problems with the circuit breaker, or improperly connected connections at the switch, leading to poor contact and causing the circuit breaker to trip.
③ Voltage issues. Voltage stability significantly impacts safe household electricity use. Unstable voltage can cause excessive power consumption and cause the circuit breaker to trip automatically.

How to resolve these issues:
① Electrical wires should not be used for extended periods of time. When purchasing, choose thicker wires that can withstand higher currents and are safer. During installation, ensure that all connections are properly connected to avoid short circuits and poor contact.
② When purchasing electrical equipment, check that they are in good condition to ensure safety during use. When using electrical appliances, avoid running multiple appliances simultaneously. During installation, also take care to avoid short circuits.
③ If the voltage is unstable, contact the power supply department immediately and install a voltage stabilizer to maintain home electrical safety and prevent accidents.

If the fuse is blown, it must be replaced. To replace the fuse:
1. First, disconnect the power supply and push the switch downward.
2. Prepare a fuse of the appropriate length in advance.
3. Unscrew the screws that need to be connected. You don't need to completely unscrew them; just enough to hold the fuse.
4. Connect the fuse and then tighten the screws. Secure it.

If a fuse is blown or tripped, first identify the problem and then resolve it appropriately. The most common solution is to replace the fuse and install a new circuit breaker. Additionally, reducing the number of appliances in use can effectively reduce the burden on the fuse.